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Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 108, 9 May 1930, Page 5

MAJESTIC THEATRE. "Scvcu Days* Leave,"-the all-talking production at tlio Majestic Theatre, is taken from a play by Sir James Barrie, and will bo shown for Hie last timo to-night. Tlic slory tells of an old charwoman who, during tlio Great War, decides that she will have a bravo sou at tlio front; so she picks out a name at random, ota member of the Mack Watch, and tells all her friends about her wonderful son and his deeds. Slio even writes loiters to herself, and says they aro from "him." The "son." who la a thorough scallywag, but very likeable, comes to London oil leave and suddenly, to his great surprise, ho finds that.he has a mother ho did not expect to have. His surprise is. even greater when ho finds out who lias adopted him. The acting of Miss Beryl Mercer (thu Mrs. Gubbius of "Threo Live Ghosts") Is wonderful, especially when she sets herself out to make hoi1 adopted son like her. Gary Cooper, as tlio adopted son. Is also first rate. All in the cast u«iult themselves well, and there are some splendid scenes of London In the picture. The supporting films, especially the "Mickey Mouse" cartoon, are worth going a loni way to see. Yoiilh and experience is tiie rare combination that Paramount has assembled tor diaries (buddy) Itogers's newest starring picture, tile all-talking romantic melodrama, "Half Way to Heaven," which will be screened at tlio Majestic Theatre for the flrst timo to-morrow. It is an adaptation of Henry L. liatcs's bestselling novel, "Here Comes tlio Band-Wagon," and in it Rogers has Jean Arthur, lovely heroine of "The Green Murder Case" and "The Mysterious Dr. Fu Manchu," for his partner, ltogers himself is tiie youngest star in motion pictures to-day. Yet he has a long string of outstanding successes to his credit.: "Wings," "Abie's Irish Kose," "Close Harmony," and "Illusion" are only a few of the pictures in which lie played leading roles, and which have brought him universal favour. Jean Arthur was recently seen with Clara Bow In "The Saturday Night Kid." Another youthful player of fame is Paul Luljas, popularly known as "(lie Barrymore of Hungary." Lukas was famous as a stage actor in Hungary before lie went to the United States to win new laurels in such pictures as "Manhattan Cocktail," "The Shopworn Angel," and "The Wolf of Wall Street." In "Half Way to Heaven" ho Is seen as the third man in the love triangle with Rogers and Miss Arthur. George Abott, the Broaday playwright and director,, who guided Moran and Mack through their first talking picture, "Why Bring That Up"1 directed this new Rogers picture. Abbott also did the adaptation of the Gates' novel for the screen. Most of. the action of the picture was filmed outdoors, many of the scenes showing a carnival lot and life aboard a carnival troupe train. ST. JAMES'S THEATRE. Although in its third week, "Cold Diggers of Broadway," the all-talking and singing production, in colour, is continually drawing packed houses at St. James's Theatre. There are many distinctive characteristics about ihe picture, but perhaps the most outstanding ia the colouring. The female lead is taken by Nancy Welford, who is supported by Conway Tea'rle. The comedy portion of the production is supplied by Winnie Llghtner, a very experienced "gold: digger," who plays the part of Mabel, a happy-go-lucky young woman, who is full of fun and amusing remarks. The chief song hits In the picture are sung by Nick Lucas, one of America's leading broadcast artists. The two most popular songs aca "Tip-toe Through, the Tulips" and "Painting the Clouds with Sunshine,", but there «re several other tunes that are almost as Good. The big stage1 ■scenes display a magnificence of setting that is a marked contribution to the art of the talking picture. Like tho big film '• the supporting programme provides splendid and varied entertainment. There is a very persistent rumour going the round just now that Miss Winnie Lightencr, comedienne, In "Gold Diggers of Broadway" died shortly after tho completion of the picture. This rumour is untrue, Miss Llghtener being at present engaged on two more Warner Bros.' pictures, "Hold Everything" and "She Couldn't Say No." GRAND OPERA HOUSE. Two attractions 6u tho one programme commenced at-the Grand Opera House to-day. Tho features are "Behind the Make-up," starring Hal Sicily, Fay Wray, and William Powell, and "Side Street," starring the three Moore brothers —Tom, Matt, and Owen—for the llrst time in their careers. "Behind the .Make-up" lolls the story of Hap Brown, a vaudeville clown, who sees a mau on the street weak from hunger, takes him home, gives him something to eat, and a bed for the night. The man is Gardoni, son of a famous Italian clown. Hap invites him to see his turn at the theatre. Alter tho performance Gardoni tells Hap that his act lacks finesse, and that certain smoothness that will lift it out of tho rut. They form a partnership, and play this new type of act. The act Is a flop. Gardoui disappears and Hap returns to New Orleans, to a little cafe kept by Pierre, whose, Marie has always been kind to him. He accepts a job In the cafe. The friendship with Marie ripens to love. Ho takes her to a theatre one night and on tlio programme Is Gardoni, performing In tho way that, Hap had suggested and doing a lot of Hap's gags. Hap goes back stago to remonstrate, but the smoothness of Gardoni wins him over and tho partnership is remade. Hap brings Mario backstage and Gardoni Is impressed with her beauty. Soon his personality impresses itself and Marie promises to be his wife. The years that follow find tho team, of Gardoni and Brown on Broadway. Tho. former soon bogins to tiro of tho love of Mario. He thinks that ho finds understanding and sympathy In Kitty, a famous, gambling hostess. She .is only interested because of his money, and soon matters come to a climax. Hap keeps from. Marie the true facts of Gardonl's affair, but she gets to know, and with the promise of a new chance and job in a country town. Hap Is happy in the knowledge that ho has nt last found, happiness with Marie. Heralded by critics as one of tho outstanding films of the year, "Side Street," Itadio Pictures' alltalking melodrama, concerns a family of moderate circumstances living on Forty-ninth street in New York City. Tom is a policeman, Mat an ambulance surgeon, and Owen a racketeer who carefully hides from Ills family his method of livelihood. Eventually Tom is called upon to round up the gang of which Owen is the brains. When tho latter finds he has or-. dercd his lieutenants: to take his own brother "for a ride," he beats Tom to tlio rendezvous and pays with his own life. Sidney Clare and Oscar Levant, Radio Pictures' song-wrltcrs, have provided some catchy musical numbers. The outstanding tunes are "Take a Look at Her Now" and "In Our Little Home." Box plans arc now open at the Bristol and tho Berkeley. EMPIRE THEATRE, ISLAND BAY. A Fox special attraction will bo screened at the Empire Theatre to-night. "The Port of Missing Girls" is based on the fact that thousands of young girls were reported missing in America last year. The story' deals with the life of the modern flapper, and tho perils and pitfalls which beset her path, and shows the ignorance of parents regarding what their children aro really doing when away from home. An excellent cast is headed by Barbara Bedford, Malcolm M'Gregor, Bodil Rosing,, and Wyndham Standing. A splendid supporting programme has been arranged. A special big double feature programme will be screened on Saturday night at the Empire- Theatre. The main feature is "Black Magic," and the supporting feature Is another old favourite, "Rookies." A special matinee will be screened on Saturday. CAPITOL THEATRE, MIRAMAR. Constance Talmadge appears as a dangerloving, romance-seeking madcap princess in "Venus," tho spirited drama screening at the Capitol to-night, ' "Hallelujah," King Vldor's seusational story of negro life, commences tomorrow night. The picture, which has received unanimous praise from tho critics, relates tho story of Zeke, who kills a mau for revenge, and is sent to prison, where ho becomes religious, and Immediately upon his release takes up work as a travelling evangelist. The story unfolds on daring and original lines, and is said to be the most artistic and original screen achievement of years. NEW QUALITY THEATRE. The all-talking, singing, dancing, number, "Broadway Melody.," will commence at the New Quality Theatre to-night for tho last screening in Wellington. Tho story deals with a young-.man, Eddie Curns, who lias a song of Ms produced by Zenfield. He writes to his girl for her and her sister to como to New York and have their names in tho spotlight. Tho girls arrive and the trouble starts. Eddie, engaged to one, loves tho other, and so great is the situation, that ho himself is in a Hx and can't get out. ..: Thero.will be-no half-prices for tho evening screening of this production. Patrons should ring .21-39-1 for reserves, which will not be kept after 7.50 p.m. OLYMPIA SKATING RINK. Three sessions dally are held at the Olympia Skating Kink,' Winter Show Buildings, afternoons, 2 till 4, learners 5 till 6.30, and evenings 7 till 10. To-morrow a morning session is being held from 10 till 12, at reduced prices. The afternoon session will be held from 2 until 4.30 and special competitions for children will be held. During the evening session between 7 and 10, a most graceful couplo competition will be held. During tho school holidays morning sessions will be held between 10 and 12 at reduced prices. On Monday night, onlookers will be admitted frco of charge. t WELLINGTON HARMONIC SOCIETY. To-morrow evening at 8 o'clock In the Concert Chamber, Town Hall, the Wellington Harmonic Society, under the conductorship of Mr, H. Temple White, will give the first subscription concert, of the 1930 season. Included in the numbers to be given by the choir are "The Soils of the Gale" (Foster), "The Seal Woman's Croon" (Marjory Kennedy-Fraser). "The. Challenge of Thor" from Elgar's "King Olaf," "I Saw Lovely Phillis" (Bevan), "Summer is Gone" (Coleridge-Taylor), the Madrigal "In Going to My Lonesome Bed" (Edwards), and for female voices, "The Wood Pewee" (Eleanor Everest Freer). A uniquo attraction will bo the appearance of Gretta Don, a Scottish soprano, who has recently arrived in New Zealand after a most successful tour of the United States. Miss Don has made a special study of the Uebridean folk-songs arranged by Marjory Kcnuody-Fraser, and will sing two groups of these folk-songs. Added interest is given by tho fact that tho soloist appears In the picturesquo costumes of a Celtic chieftainess and Celtic peasant respectively. Tho- socirty will also bo assisted by tlio 2YA Orchestra, which will play under the baton of Mr. Jf. T. Dlxon, "Slavonic Rhapsody" (Friedman), "Mnrchc Milltaire" from "Suite Alglcricnnc" (Snlnt-Saens), and with Mr. William Haydock as soloist, "Andante" from "Symphonic Espagnolc" (Lalo). The box plan la now open at tiie Bristol,